61 Invasive species tradeoffs

How can one model, predict, and manage the ecological and economic impacts of invasive species in marine and aquatic ecosystems?

Invasive species is becoming more and more important because of climate change and can have drastic consequences in ecosystems, altering food web structures, disrupting ecosystem functions, and have significant economic impacts in affected areas – positive or negative. The complexity of these impacts, coupled with the dynamic nature of biological invasions, calls for modeling to predict outcomes and inform management decisions. EwE been used for a number of studies, simulating introduction, establishment, and long-term effects of invasive species in aquatic ecosystems. By integrating trophic interactions, environmental factors, and human interventions, one can explore scenarios of invasion, assess potential ecological and economic consequences, and evaluate different management strategies.

Potential policy questions

1. How can one predict the potential spread and establishment of invasive species in new ecosystems?
2. What are the limitations and challenges of using EwE to model invasive species dynamics?
3. What are the potential socio-economic impacts of invasive species on fisheries and ecosystem services?
4. What potential management scenarios may to control or mitigate the impacts of invasive species?
5. How does the inclusion of invasive species affect ecosystem indicators and overall system properties?
6. Can one effectively model the synergistic effects of invasive species and climate change on ecosystems?
7. How can one identify and evaluate potential ecological niches for invasive species before they are introduced?
8. What are the long-term ecosystem effects of successful invasive species eradication efforts?
9. May one developing early warning systems for potential invasive species threats?
10. Can models incorporate the adaptive potential of native species to invasive competitors or predators?
11. What insights can models provide about the resilience of ecosystems to invasive species under different management regimes?
12. How can models help in understanding the role of invasive species in facilitating or inhibiting ecosystem recovery after disturbances?
13. What approaches can be used to model the spatial spread of invasive species across connected ecosystems?
14. How can models be utilized to assess the potential for invasive species to cause regime shifts in ecosystems?
15. How can models incorporate the economic costs and benefits of different invasive species management strategies?
16. What insights can models provide about the potential for invasive species to alter ecosystem services and functions?
17. What role can models play in assessing the potential for using one invasive species to control another (e.g., biocontrol)?
18. How can models help in prioritizing management efforts for multiple invasive species threats?